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heidi_storage
Guest
Safe? No, definitely not; all sorts of children are running around putting their germy hands on the books and toys and sneezing on people. Also, there are lots of bad books, which I suppose poses a danger. My local library has so far invited only librarians, policemen, and firemen to read stories to youngsters, but if they add a drag queen program I’ll be sure not to let my kids attend.
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TechieGuy
Guest
If a heavy book fell from the top shelf and ht you on the head, you could be injured, so - no…
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Cruciferi
Guest
Now, I’ve seen everything.What a bizarre Library Event.
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MaryEstelle2
Guest
In reality, there are no ‘safe places’ anymore, not even in your home. Technically the library is about as safe as anywhere. If you seek safety try hiding under your bed.
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Cruciferi
Guest
I’m digging a foxhole and hiding in the woods.
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pensmama87
Guest
Our local library has not held one of these (yet), but nearby ones have. In June there was a prominent display of “Pride Month” selections in the children’s room.
I’m in our library all the time and think they’re a wonderful resource, but ugh, yes, this really upsets me. My kids are currently in public school and events like this, while not technically part of the school system, speak about the norms of the community and what is considered acceptable for children. I haven’t pulled them yet, but I’m getting close.
I’m in our library all the time and think they’re a wonderful resource, but ugh, yes, this really upsets me. My kids are currently in public school and events like this, while not technically part of the school system, speak about the norms of the community and what is considered acceptable for children. I haven’t pulled them yet, but I’m getting close.
Tis_Bearself
Patron
No, they are not totally safe. About 30 years ago, a tween girl was assaulted outside the one in my neighborhood. I have also read stories of people murderered in libraries. Some libraries basically provide a spot for unstable and/or criminal people to hang out all day, using the restrooms and computers. Weird things like men exposing themselves have been known to go on in the stacks of urban libraries.
I think in recent years many libraries have tried to rearrange the facility or enact as many rules possible in view of local law and community norms to try to keep kids safe from crime when they visit the library.
As for the content presented in libraries, I see that as an issue to be handled personally by each family. It’s not a safety issue if your kid is reading a book you don’t approve of. I certainly did my share of reading racy and edgy books that I got from the library or just read at the library rather than taking them home. Parents and kids will be fighting that battle from now till doomsday. Libraries are meant to reflect a variety of ideas.
I think in recent years many libraries have tried to rearrange the facility or enact as many rules possible in view of local law and community norms to try to keep kids safe from crime when they visit the library.
As for the content presented in libraries, I see that as an issue to be handled personally by each family. It’s not a safety issue if your kid is reading a book you don’t approve of. I certainly did my share of reading racy and edgy books that I got from the library or just read at the library rather than taking them home. Parents and kids will be fighting that battle from now till doomsday. Libraries are meant to reflect a variety of ideas.
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Peeps
Guest
Boy, this is a new one for me! Wow, you learn something everyday!
Unsafe libraries?!
Really? I’m honestly surprised. I thought libraries were safer than churches! I didn’t think that many people actually use libraries nowadays–why go to the library when you can whip out your trusty phone or other electronic device?
I haven’t had a library card in a decade. I think the last time I went to the library was to hear a lecture on some local topic of interest.
We have a lot of the homeless who use the library as a daytime shelter. Our library responded by turning a former “lunch room” (designed in the 1970s for people who were in the library for many hours doing research in the microfilm room–remember microfilm? And index cards?) into a place for the homeless to sit during the day. We can see the homeless people sitting in there (which is good in case anyone suffers from a medical issue; e.g., an overdose). But they are separated from us.
I know (from experience) that teenagers (and probably adults) make out in the more hidden parts of the stacks.
But I have never heard of any outright crimes–an occasional report of purses disappearing after someone foolishly left them out on their table while they were delving into the stacks or sitting in the dark microfilm room.
As for the questionable activities–yes, we’ve had all kinds of presentation by groups that promote values or issues in opposition to Christianity. But we have also had many presentations that are compatible with and supportive of Christianity.
And books/papers, etc. that are opposed to Christianity–this is what libraries do. They are evidence of our Constitution’s guarantee of free speech. I would be opposed to purging libraries of anything other than outright hardcore pornography.
My suggestion to those who are worried is to drive outside of your city (easier said than done, depending on your city!) and head for a small town library. They are much smaller so you can see the whole set-up better, the people in the small town are more likely to be of one mind (usually Christian or supportive of Christian teachings), and the supply of books and other materials is much more limited. Plus the buildings are often quaint and interesting, although several of the small towns in our area have shiny new buildings!
Unsafe libraries?!
Really? I’m honestly surprised. I thought libraries were safer than churches! I didn’t think that many people actually use libraries nowadays–why go to the library when you can whip out your trusty phone or other electronic device?
I haven’t had a library card in a decade. I think the last time I went to the library was to hear a lecture on some local topic of interest.
We have a lot of the homeless who use the library as a daytime shelter. Our library responded by turning a former “lunch room” (designed in the 1970s for people who were in the library for many hours doing research in the microfilm room–remember microfilm? And index cards?) into a place for the homeless to sit during the day. We can see the homeless people sitting in there (which is good in case anyone suffers from a medical issue; e.g., an overdose). But they are separated from us.
I know (from experience) that teenagers (and probably adults) make out in the more hidden parts of the stacks.
But I have never heard of any outright crimes–an occasional report of purses disappearing after someone foolishly left them out on their table while they were delving into the stacks or sitting in the dark microfilm room.
As for the questionable activities–yes, we’ve had all kinds of presentation by groups that promote values or issues in opposition to Christianity. But we have also had many presentations that are compatible with and supportive of Christianity.
And books/papers, etc. that are opposed to Christianity–this is what libraries do. They are evidence of our Constitution’s guarantee of free speech. I would be opposed to purging libraries of anything other than outright hardcore pornography.
My suggestion to those who are worried is to drive outside of your city (easier said than done, depending on your city!) and head for a small town library. They are much smaller so you can see the whole set-up better, the people in the small town are more likely to be of one mind (usually Christian or supportive of Christian teachings), and the supply of books and other materials is much more limited. Plus the buildings are often quaint and interesting, although several of the small towns in our area have shiny new buildings!
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DisorientingSneeze
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DisorientingSneeze
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DisorientingSneeze
Guest
Nowhere my children go is safe. Their presence decreases the general safety of every place we go.
On the subject of drag queens, which the first post is about, I think I’d have to not attend…to protect the drag queens. I’ve seen the way my kids laugh at scenes from Mrs. Doubtfire. I very much doubt we’d make it out of there without them pointing and laughing. I’d get dirty looks for sure from families in attendance who are more
“enlightened.”
Now if the drag queens were just reading to grownups…like I could bring a beanbag chair and relax and listen to them read the end of some book whose completion daily duties constantly thwart… that might be a nice evening.
On the subject of drag queens, which the first post is about, I think I’d have to not attend…to protect the drag queens. I’ve seen the way my kids laugh at scenes from Mrs. Doubtfire. I very much doubt we’d make it out of there without them pointing and laughing. I’d get dirty looks for sure from families in attendance who are more
“enlightened.”
Now if the drag queens were just reading to grownups…like I could bring a beanbag chair and relax and listen to them read the end of some book whose completion daily duties constantly thwart… that might be a nice evening.
Tis_Bearself
Patron
They use them less now than a few years ago when access to smart devices and wi-fi was not as widespread. I remember about 15 years ago, computer access was a huge part of many people’s usage. Today a lot of those people use their smartphone to check their mail, post to social media etc whereas in those days they needed a computer.I didn’t think that many people actually use libraries nowadays–why go to the library when you can whip out your trusty phone or other electronic device?
However, a lot of people, particularly kids, retirees, and lower income adults still like to read books. Libraries often have toys or videos you can borrow for free as well. Many people I know are on tight budgets and find it helpful to save money. There’s also often free entertainment at libraries, like story tellers or story time readers for the kids and lectures for the adults. And teachers will often assign work that is best done at a library or requires at least some use of a library.
I took out new library cards recently because the libraries in my area have access to a lot of documentaries and scholarly papers that you can’t access anywhere else. I wanted to see the “Roses in December” documentary on Jean Donovan (one of the Catholic US aid workers murdered in El Salvador around the time of Bl. Oscar Romero’s assassination) and unless I wanted to spend like 30 dollars for a DVD, the library free video service was the only place to see it. If I had more time to spare, I could watch free documentaries on lots of other interesting topics too.
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Tis_Bearself
Patron
Churches aren’t very safe these days either, which is why, unless there’s Mass or some group activity going on, churches are usually locked nowadays. When I was little, they were usually open all day during regular business hours. You could go in and “pay a visit” to Jesus. Not so nowadays. There are certain chapels that stay open all day (and sometimes all night), but you have to know where they are - they don’t really advertise the fact that they are open.I thought libraries were safer than churches!
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TheLittleLady
Guest
God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of love.
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F_Marturana
Guest
I live in a smaller town.
During school, we might be at the library once or twice a week.
My library has a number of programs for kids.
There’s a play section too. When my son was a toddler, his siblings were going to check out some book, he thought the toys were for loan as well. He didn’t understand the dinosaur couldn’t be checked out.
During school, we might be at the library once or twice a week.
My library has a number of programs for kids.
There’s a play section too. When my son was a toddler, his siblings were going to check out some book, he thought the toys were for loan as well. He didn’t understand the dinosaur couldn’t be checked out.
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Mintaka
Guest
I’m pretty sure that the ancient Christian idea of hospitality includes letting people use church restrooms (assuming they use the privilege reasonably).
If the girls were parish members, why wouldn’t they just walk right in? And if they aren’t, and they didn’t do anything untoward and were able to find the restrooms, why would they want to disturb a busy study group by addressing them about their bathroom needs?
(Besides, the matter may have been urgent beforehand, and talking to you afterwards would be uncomfortably like providing a bathroom report! Some situations just aren’t for sharing!)
If the girls were parish members, why wouldn’t they just walk right in? And if they aren’t, and they didn’t do anything untoward and were able to find the restrooms, why would they want to disturb a busy study group by addressing them about their bathroom needs?
(Besides, the matter may have been urgent beforehand, and talking to you afterwards would be uncomfortably like providing a bathroom report! Some situations just aren’t for sharing!)
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